The Veterans' Administration offers a Special Pension with Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit that is largely unknown.  This Special Pension (part of the VA Improved Pension program) allows for Veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing, undressing or taking care of the needs of nature to receive additional monetary benefits.  It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity.  Assisted care in an assisted living facility also qualifies.

This most important benefit is overlooked by many families with Veterans or surviving spouses who need additional monies to help care for ailing parents or loved ones.  This is a "pension benefit" and is not dependent upon service-related injuries for compensation.  Most Veterans who are in need of assistance qualify for this pension.  Aid and Attendance can help pay for care in the home, nursing home or assisted living facility.  A Veteran is eligible for up to $1,519 per month, while a surviving spouse is eligible for up to $976 per month.  A couple is eligible for up to $1,801 per month*.

The Aid and Attendance Benefit is considered to be the third tier of a VA program called Improved Pension.  The other two tiers are Basic and Housebound.  Each tier has its own level of benefits and qualifications.  While the objective of this site is to disseminate information about the Aid and Attendance Benefit, we urge you to read an important document prepared by the American Veterans Institute that clearly explains the Improved Pension program, its levels of benefits and the qualifications for each.  If you or your loved one does not qualify for Aid and Attendance, you may want to check to see if you qualify for another level of the Pension.

A Beginner’s Guide
Did you know that, if you are a veteran who served at least 90 days, one of
which was during one or more of the eras listed below, you are eligible for a VA
pension?
You do not have to be service-connected.
You do not have to have retired from the military.
You do not have to actually have been in combat.
You simply have to meet the income and net worth criteria.
Did you know that, if you are a surviving spouse, you may also be eligible?
Eligibility periods:
World War II: December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946
Korean War: June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955
Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 (February 28, 1961, for veterans who served “in country”
before August 5, 1964), through May 7, 1975
Gulf War: August 2, 1990, through a date to be set by law of Presidential Proclamation.

To receive the application and information for the Aid and Attendance Benefits you will need to apply with this form.  It is a PDF file so you will need adobe.It contains 26 pages.

VA Form 21-526

Summary of VA Benefits

Please Email me the VA Package (Click Here)